ChokDee4213

8 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

When the refrigerant starts to get low, the evaporator coil should start frosting/freezing over. Is this happening? 

 

Air-conditioners do not "use" refrigerant, if it is low, it is leaking.

 

Leaks that are not relatively obvious can be hard to find and are often difficult to fix. 

 

Is the coil aluminum or copper? 

 

 

Difficult to say, I haven't checked it directly and it's too late now that the technician just added refrigerant. I am hoping the coils are not the issue given that they were just recently replaced less than a year ago. There was no condensation coming from the unit inside the house itself if that's an indicator. The coil is copper.

The return line was noticeably warmer prior to the technician's visit as well if that helps, but I didn't record exact temperature change.

Someone above said that I cannot check if there is a leak by purging the system, taking it to 100PSI and measuring any drop off, is that true? If so, I think the best I can do is spray soapy water on the connection manifold and copper lines external to the compressor, but it could be a wild-goose chase. I imagine checking the coils specifically involves removing and submerging them and I might be better off just contacting the guy that recently replaced it.

Just now, sometimewoodworker said:

You already know that they are not competent AC mechanics so why should they be correct that your refrigerant is low?

I didn't know that and was asking for confirmation on that point. 3 for 3 are pretty incredible odds for incompetency.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone here have experience with HVAC that can comment on the situation with a little less conjecture? If not, that fine, thanks for your time.

1 minute ago, bankruatsteve said:

"Quitter-talk forum"?  Interesting observation.

Some jobs should not be attempted with DIY.  Finding and fixing an HVAC leak is one of them.  The fact that you have hired 3 different non-professional repair guys with the same result should tell you something.

OK, what should it tell me? What would cause a reduction in refrigerant other than a leak that they are refusing to check for? Please enlighten me, so far your response is just not useful, I'm sorry.

5 minutes ago, bbko said:

A mini unit that runs everyday, how many BTUs for how big of a room?

Not 100% on exact measurements, but around 10,000BTU for a 3x3x3m room

12 minutes ago, bankruatsteve said:

Not the kind of thing you want to take on yourself especially if you don't have the proper equipment.  I suggest calling the service center for the brand and get their qualified technician to check it out.

I thought this was the DIY forum, not the quitter-talk forum. ???? kidding

Really doesn't seem that hard or expensive though when the same tools and skills can be used over a lifetime.

Hey guys, after a few months, the refrigerant in our mini split unit reduces and the air gets warm. From what I understand, the only cause of this is a leak. We've had 3 different AC repair guys come, they do a routine clean and add refrigerant for around ฿500. Each time we ask them to check for a leak and each time, they plug in a pressure gauge, confirm the refrigerant is low, take a cursory look at the copper tubing, then inform me that there isn't a leak. The last one even charged us ฿200 for this 2 minute facade assessment. They aren't charging the system to 100+PSI and measuring input and return pressure over time. They are not spraying the tubing with soapy water. They claim that a dirty filter, blocked exhaust, etc., is the culprit, but I understand these wouldn't typically cause a drop in refrigerant pressure.

So my questions are these: Is my (admittedly limited) understanding about HVAC misinterpreting the situation(s)? Could they deliberately be facilitating a slow leak for repeat business? Or are they lazy and/or incompetent (3 for 3 though, surely this is unlikely)?

And finally, anyone ever test for leaks themselves? If so, any areas I should check first other than the brazed joints throughout the line? General estimate on cost of tools? Can I just use a friend's air compressor and spare gauges, or will I need nitrogen specifically? I'd probably want an empty refrigerant tank to collect the refrigerant, then a full one to replace the refrigerant in the purged system right? Thanks, appreciate any advice anyone may have!

The unit in question is probably about 4-5 years old and is in use every day. At this use rate, it needs servicing every 6 months(ish). This is an ongoing issue with all of our AC units depending on frequency of use since they were first installed.

40 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes the can be applied for at your local immigration office.

 

You can apply for the one year extension near the end of the 60 days or when the money has been in the bank for 2 months.

That's great news! Thanks for your time and attention Ubonjoe, you're a life saver

4 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Who ever told you that that local transfers were accepted was completely wrong unless you earned it here from employment that requires a work permit. You must have proof the 40k baht transfers were from abroad.

Two months is the correct amount of time the 400k baht has to be in a Thai bank for on the day you apply for the extension.

You can apply for 60 day extension to visit your wife if you have not gotten one since your last entry to the country.

If you have gotten one already then you could apply for a 60 day covid 19 extension.

Indeed. It's been one officer that's been moving the goal post for us. I should have just consulted this forum in the first place as the information is more reliable ????

These two extensions can be obtained at my local immigration service? If so, I can start seasoning 400,000thb now. After the extension expires, will I be able to get the extension based on marriage on the same Non-O (again, local immigration/not leaving the country)?

I should have consulted this forum sooner. The officers have been giving us the run around, first informing us that the 40,000 transfers could be made local, then asking for tax documents to verify the local income, now (surprise) requesting a work permit. I do not have a work permit. My review process ends in one month. I can get the 400,000 to hold in a bank account for the 2 months, but if my math is correct, that's 1 month too late. Is the only option to apply for a new Non-O outside of the country and endure quarantine procedures as I cross back in?

Thanks for your advice.

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

brazing will work and is readily available.

 

What kind of torch do you have?

Just a simple butane one. I previously tried the copper-phosphorus brazing rod that's available in all the AC repair shops with the appropriate (and ample) flux. It worked great for smaller joints with thicker metals, but the larger joint I'm working on with thinner metals keeps peeling off. It could be my methods though, and I heard silver solder is easier to work with.

@crossy, thank you, I didn't see that forum! As I understand it, Silver solder is what it's called, but it is a misnomer as it is used at brazing temps, so uhh... take your pick, lol.

I and wife searched in Thai and English, but import only on our end. Does anyone know where to get a hold on some silver solder (brazing rod)? I want to join stainless steel to copper and keep things food grade.

Before I jump down the rabbit hole comparing coverage and researching procedure definitions, I figured someone here might already have a fair bit of knowledge in this area and might be generous to share it.

I'm a 30 year old (married to Thai) male and looking for my first policy here in Thailand. Relatively healthy, but have woke up choking a couple times in the last couple years, so suspect GERD and possible apnea. Does insurance cover a sleep study and possible CPAP machine? Also on my overly-ambitious wish-list is laser eye surgery, fertility testing, and xray coverage. How much of this is realistic and what are some good companies to look into?

Or perhaps it would be cheaper just to pay out of pocket for all these things? I have no idea.

Thank you for your time!

You guys are amazing, thank you very much for your time and knowledge!

I'm about 60 days off from needing to renew my marriage extension in Buriram. Last year did an embassy affidavit (American), so just wanted to check if I understand the changes correctly:

I should get my bank statement a day or two prior to going to immigration, which should denote 40000 baht per month average? Does anyone know the Thai name of this document by chance?

Do I need to visit immigration 30+ days prior to extension expiration, 30 or less days prior to expiration?

I assume I need to prepare all the same documents: wife's ID, marriage document, my pasport, etc. etc.?

What fees should I expect with this process? Immigration here likes to extort tips from foreigners, so I need to know the exact price.

Thank you!

On 10/19/2019 at 7:50 AM, BritManToo said:

Have a child together...

Unfortunately, I think we'd have to adopt. I'm assuming same rules apply though? We're a few years out from that, so plenty of time to consider.

On 10/19/2019 at 8:36 AM, steve187 said:

my 2 cents worth, as you are both young and in a fairly new marriage, you have a few options

1, - trust her and invest as and when you can jointly

2, - as others have said don't invest more than you are prepared to walk away from, contribute as much money as a good rental would cost you

3, - explore the lease/ usufruct options, how big is the land, it makes a difference if you can inherit.

4, - enjoy life, don't think too far into the future, don't worry too much

 

good luck

Good advice, thank you. We'll be contacting a lawyer after an international trip to meet my family and a wedding ceremony for hers. We have a decade or so before the loan payments get a bit large or MIL is old enough to warrant a wing on the house ????, so no rush.

On 10/21/2019 at 11:23 AM, sawadeeken said:

snip

 

Idk how my question could have been perceived to cause you alarm about my intentions or our relationship, but thanks for your concern, we're fine. If you have anything constructive to add on the subject itself, it'd be appreciated.

Thanks for the advice, you guys. Does anyone know a good lawyer? Perhaps consultation via Skype as I am in rural Buriram.

Furthering speculation: I wonder if it is possible for wife to leave the house to me in a will, then sell the house to her family if they enter a usufruct agreement. Still wouldn't protect me in the case of divorce.

She might just have to be on her own in this case.

Gotta love nationalist laws like these. Gotta keep the bloodlines pure.

On 9/11/2019 at 6:35 PM, OzinThai said:

Choi Dee did you have any luck in your astronomy adventures yet? I am based in Chiangmai and have been bitten by the Astro bug.. as for Telescopes be careful.. many of those you see on Lazada are just toys.. not serious Astro gear. Depending on your needs I am happy to advise you. Cheers and clear skies..Greg

I've joined a number of facebook groups on telescopes and astronomy, but I'm a year or two out before I'm ready to invest. In the mean time, I have visited NARIT in Korat and plan to visit the two observatories when I visit Chiang Mai next year. Otherwise, I'm just indulging in astrophotography online counting down the paychecks ????

How have you been sating the itch? Have you been to NARIT yet?

Wife and I got our marriage registered shortly after she purchased land and house for us under a bank loan. We are (she is) in year 2 of the 30 year loan and payments will increase step-by-step. We want to try and make this 50/50 in terms of loan payments, renovations/additions, and protection in case of death or divorce. Is there any way this is possible? My biggest fear is her having an accident and me losing her along with everything we would have built together. She would like for me to be able to invest more than standard rental fees in our future as well.

I am assuming a usufruct agreement would not work as the house is still under loan from the bank. Even still, I do not have a lump sum of money to give her to compensate such an agreement. We are both young and need a solution that accommodates steady long-term investiture.

If anyone has experience with this, or knows a reliable lawyer, I'd appreciate any insight you can offer. Thanks for reading!

Thank you, will have the wife call first thing tomorrow!

Where can I refill a 5 lb CO2 canister in Isaan? Are there places that do it by post, or local shops I can search for? Not sure which forum to stick this, sorry

Hi there, anyone have experience with the local rolling tobacco (ya sen; ยาเส้น)? Which has the most nicotine, least nicotine, tastes the best, least amounts of TNSAs (long shot)?

Otherwise is it possible to source it directly from a farm (preferably organic sun-cured)? I'm in Buriram.

I'm interested in finding LC of local and exotic mushrooms that can't be procured easily from dtalat/markets. Mainly mycorrhizal culinarys, like puffball, wine cap, matsutake, milk cap, possibly even different species of truffles, etc.

Anyone know about local, online markets for this? What about international markets? Will customs be OK with spores or mycellium entering the Kingdom?

Any help would be appreciated!

Lol, father of the year making your kid into a mule.

Quick question: if I transfer 480,000฿ in one month does this equate to the 12 month average of 40,000฿? So if ,my income averages 0-39,999.99฿/month, in the final months I can just transfer the difference from 480,000฿?

As usual, I'm sure a few 1,000฿ notes forgoes any real scrutiny anyway.

When I came to Thailand 3 years ago, I brought a 1m*.750cm*750cm box full of spices, dried fruits, chilies, specialty nuts, grandma's canned harvests, and hot sauces from back home. Can't wait to go home and restock this year.

Every time I go to Bangkok, I make sure to load up on BBQ sauce, wood chips, cereal, and decaff coffee.